Table 3.

Currently available wake-promoting medications

	Caffeine	Sympathomimetics	Modafinil
Half-life (hours)	3–5	11–20	12–15
Daily dose range	50mg–200mg	*	200mg–60mg
Side effects	GI disorders, flushing, sweating, elevated heart and respiratory rates, disturbed sleep, withdrawal symptoms (headache, anxiety)	Cognitive, behavioral, and motor problems; GI disturbances; aggravation of existing mood disorders; headache; insomnia; anorexia; abuse liability**	Headache†, nausea, nervousness, rhinitis, diarrhea, back pain, anxiety, insomnia, dizziness, dypepsia

*Methylphenidate: up to 60mg; dextroamphetamine: up to 60mg; methamphetamine: 5–50mg.

†Regular blood pressure monitoring is recommended.

**Not indicated for patients with pre-existing cardiovascular problems, including hypertension. Regular blood pressure monitoring is essential in all patients.